Operating Systems

Operating Systems

1. Manage hardware and run software

2. A complex piece of software found on most computer systems

3. Main functions of an operating system

   • Communicate with internal and external hardware via device drivers
     • Device driver software is used to communicate with the internal hardware or peripherals connected to the computer system
     • Device drivers act as a translator for the signals between OS and hardware
     • Every piece of hardware connected to the computer system requires a device driver
     • When the computer is booted up the OS will choose the correct device driver for the hardware it detects
     • If new hardware is connected to the computer, the system will install the new, matching driver
   • Provide a user interface allowing a user to interact with the computer
     • A user interface allows the user to interact with a computer system
     • Command line interfaces
       • Text based
       • The user enters specific commands to complete tasks.
       • Less resource heavy
       • Not suitable for everyday users
       • More efficient and powerful for advanced users
     • GUIs
       • GUIs (graphical user interfaces) are the most common type and they are designed to be easy for everyday users by making them visual, interactive, and intuitive
       • GUIs are optimised for specific input methods.
       • WIMP based (windows, icons, menus, pointers)
   • Provide a platform for different applications to run
     • By configuring hardware so they can use it by giving access to the CPU and memory
   • Allow the user to multi task by controlling memory resources and the CPU
   • Deal with the file management and disk management
   • Manage the security system e.g. through user accounts